© 2026 Western New York Public Broadcasting Association

140 Lower Terrace St.
Buffalo, NY 14202

Toronto Address:
130 Queens Quay E.
Suite 903
Toronto, ON M5A 0P6


Mailing Address:
Horizons Plaza P.O. Box 1263
Buffalo, NY 14240-1263

Buffalo Toronto Public Media | Phone 716-845-7000
BTPM NPR Newsroom | Phone: 716-845-7040
Differing shades of blue wavering throughout the image
Play Live Radio
Next Up:
0:00
0:00
0:00 0:00
Available On Air Stations

Remembering May 14th: East Side Development & Food Injustice

On the left: red background, WN logo, and the title and episode number in black and white text. On the right: black background with photos of Pastor Dwayne Jones and Nnenna Ferguson

This week, we are proud to bring you special programming throughout the week on remembering the May 14th Tops Massacre. In today’s installment, we break down economic empowerment on the East Side of Buffalo and food injustice throughout the region. We first welcome Pastor Dwayne Jones from Mount Aaron Missionary Baptist Church. He sits down with Jim Fink to analyze transformation and revitalization efforts on the East Side of Buffalo, including Mount Aaron’s faith-based housing projects. Next, I'Jaz Ja'ciel has a conversation about food injustice with Nnenna Ferguson, Chair of the Buffalo Food Equity Network Advisory Board. The two discuss the importance of community-led solutions and approaches for addressing food deserts and apartheid.

What's Next? 2025
Latest Episodes
  • As Buffalo prepares for the Sankofa Conference, Anthony Pierce and Selam Debs join What’s Next for a conversation centered on culture, identity, and accountability. A conversation about learning from the past to build a more just future.
  • Leanthony Freeman shares his journey from Buffalo to Atlanta and his vision to open a charter school in Buffalo by 2032. The conversation continues with conference host Shantelle Patton of the Brown Bag Minority Business Directory, who discusses the importance of self-reflection, community, and creating space for honest dialogue.
  • The Buffalo Educational Opportunity Center marks 60 years of expanding access to education and job training for underserved communities. This episode brings you a conversation about access, equity, and empowering communities through education and care.
  • Dr. LaGarrett King joins What’s Next to discuss the upcoming Sankofa Conference in Buffalo on February 28 and why history remains essential to shaping the future.
  • As Buffalo prepares for the first annual Sankofa Conference, Marcus Watson and Nubian Goddess join What’s Next to explore the relationship between continental Africans and African diasporans.
  • Buffalo Prep has spent more than three decades expanding college access for underrepresented students across Western New York. Jay Moran sits down with David Johnson, the organization’s incoming Executive Director, to discuss Buffalo Prep’s mission, the systemic barriers students continue to face, and how long-term academic and mentoring support can change outcomes.
  • As the community marks Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Day, this episode of What’s Next highlights the annual MLK Day of Service and the impact of service-driven leadership.
  • On this episode, we highlight three standout conversations. First, we return to our tour of the Providence Farm Collective. Then, we continue Ekua Mends-Aidoo’s conversation with Charisma DuBois of the Buffalo Center for Arts and Technology. And we close out the episode with Alicia Stark from Child and Family Services.
  • The African American Cultural Center has completed phase one of its renovation, marking a major moment for this historic East Side institution. Interim dance and drum director Robin Hibbert, Board Chairwoman Thembi Duncan, and Executive Director Leah Angel Daniels join Jay Moran to discuss the challenges of rebuilding, the community’s response, and what lies ahead as the center prepares for new programs and its upcoming Kwanzaa celebration.
  • The Smithsonian’s National Museum of African American History and Culture is partnering with Buffalo’s Michigan Street African American Heritage Corridor to preserve local stories and family histories. In this episode, Dr. Doretha Williams shares an update on the community curation project and why documenting everyday lives matters.